Vasco Da Gama Memorial in KwaZulu Natal (original) (raw)

In the heart of the Victoria Embankment (now known as Margaret Mncadi Avenue) stands the Vasco da Gama Clock, there to memorialise Vasco Da Gama's first sighting of Durban, which happened on the eve of Christmas in 1497 (Natal is derived from the Portuguese word for Christmas).

Did you know? The clock, although Portuguese, was completed in a foundry in Britain and includes a statue of Samson in the process of breaking the ropes that bound him.

The Clock was given to the South Africans by the Portuguese government, where it originally stood in Point Road, before moving to the corner of the Embankment and Aliwal Street.

Most Durbanites hardly seem to notice the beautiful piece of architecture but the regal Victorian piece is well worth a second glance, its cast-iron, dome shape and intricate design a fine example of Victorian baroque design that almost resembles a very small wedding chapel.

Da Gama was the first person to discover Durban and the Portuguese were the first colonialists to come to the region. The clock was recently spruced up ahead of the World Cup, its restoration a necessity as the structure was already undergoing serious deterioration due mostly to the sea air that had begun to corrode the memorial. Restoring it meant dismantling and reassembling the clock.

Interestingly the clock, although Portuguese, was completed in a foundry in Britain and includes a statue of Samson in the process of breaking the ropes that bound him.

Need to Know

WhereVasco Da Gama Memorial, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Esplanade, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours

OvernightStay in Durban Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

Attractions near Durban Central

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Durban

Self Catering

57 On North

57 On North is a self-catering apartment located in Umdloti, KwaZulu Natal. This big, bright and airy upmarket apartment will let you escape from...

Self Catering

Ocean Rocks Villa

Ocean Rocks Villa is an Italian-style villa offering self catering accommodation in Umhlanga in walking distance from Umhlanga Rocks beach and th...

Self Catering

Escape to Umdloti Beach

Escape to Umdloti Beach can accommodate up to six guests on a self-catering basis. The secure estate offers a communal swimming pool, braai and g...

Guest House / Self Catering

Pastel Guest House

Pastel Guest House is it situated high up on the Berea in Musgrave, in a charming street lined with 100 year old architecturally listed buildings...

Self Catering

Point Bay 202

If an awesome family holiday is what you're in search of, then Point Bay 202, situated in the stunning Waterfront in Durban, is the perfect choic...

Self Catering

Cozumel 317

Cozumel 317 is a two bedroom holiday apartment (accommodates 4) in the Cozumel complex on North Beach in Umdloti. The apartment has views of the ...

Self Catering

Sugar Crest 3B

Sugar Crest 3B is a stunning three bedroom apartment offering accommodation in Umdloti. Located in the luxury Sugar Crest building, the apartment...

Self Catering

Club Mykonos 39B

Club Mykonos 39B is a holiday apartment in Umdloti with two bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and living area. The spacious kitchen is well equipped...

Self Catering

Casa Playa No 5

Perched on the 5th floor of an exclusive six-apartment complex, Casa Playa No. 5 offers a luxury experience on Umhlanga's main beach. The apartme...

Things to do in the area

Art Galleries

Absorb & Acquire African Art

After a working day pushing tankers around Durban's harbour, tubby little tugboats rest at the bluff listening to live African jazz, rock or Regg...

Extreme Sports

Big Swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium

For the ultimate ride of your life the 'Big Rush Big Swing' at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is a must. This is the world's only stadium swing and th...

Museums

Cato Manor Heritage Centre

Photographs, documents, artwork and oral histories at this unique and interactive museum capture the life and times of the area and its inhabitan...

Miscellaneous

Monuments

Francis Farewell Square

This historic square in the middle of Durban is the spot where the city originated as a tiny settlement of itinerant traders and hunters in the e...

Caf�s & Eateries

Have a curry - Durban style!

The Britannia Hotel in Durban has been around since 1879 and now enjoys the status of a listed building, adding to Durban�s colonial charm.The ho...

Art Galleries

Old Court House Museum

Durban's Old Court House Museum pays delightful homage to the heritage of Durban. This city is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal Province and home to ...

Family Entertainment

Play Miniature Golf

A novelty version of golf on a mini outdoor golf course this activity is a fun novelty for all the mini and maxi family members. At 19th Hole Put...

Cruises

Shark Patrol Boat Adventure

'Ssssshhhh don't wake the fish!� You'll be excused for thinking that you are the only life force raised as you ascend before the sun and head for...

Accommodation convenient to Vasco Da Gama Memorial

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Durban Accommodation

Durban as a destination

Why book with SA-Venues.com

Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
No airy fairy service fees; you save!
We care. Service with integrity.
Multiple payment methods:
credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
All Durban Central property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
Secure your booking

Tourist Attractions

"Must See" in KwaZulu Natal
By Destination
By Province
Search
Sight-seeing in South Africa? Search our Attractions Directory to find the perfect backdrop for your holiday selfie.

Destination Durban

By type in Durban
Durban Accommodation
Durban Hotels
Durban Guest Houses
Durban Bed & Breakfast
Durban Self Catering
& Holiday Apartments & Suites
& Holiday Cottages & Chalets
& Holiday Homes & Villas
Durban Conferences
Durban Weddings
Durban Honeymoons
Destinations in Durban
Amanzimtoti, Assagay, Athlone Park, Berea, Bluff, Bothas Hill, Brighton Beach, Camperdown, Chatsworth, Cowies Hill, Crestholme, Drummond, Durban Beachfront, Durban Central, Durban North, Gillitts, Glenashley, Glenmore, Glenwood, Greyville, Hillcrest, Inanda Township, Inchanga, Kloof, La Lucia, Manor Gardens, Morningside, Mount Edgecombe, Mount Moreland, Musgrave, New Germany, Pinetown, Point Waterfront, Queensburgh, South Beach, Sunningdale, Sydenham, Umbilo, Umdloti, Umgeni Park, Umhlanga, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga Rocks, Waterfall, Westville, Yellowwood Park
Resources for tourists
About Durban
Things To Do
Attractions

KwaZulu Natal

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.